Auto top window frame



Jan. 12 1926. 111169,30?

1 G. s. sLocUM AUTO TOP WINDOW FRAME Filed August v. 191s 2 sheets-sheet1 I 1 I l fnf/7594s'.

Jah. 12 1926.

L. G. S. SLOCUM AUTO TOP WINDOW FRAME Filed August '7, 1918 2Sheets-Sheet .2

' ffm/chiel' [ed/ie 4151 J/acI/m Patented Jan. 12, 1926.

UNITED STATES LESLIE Gr. S. SLOCUM, lO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA;FRANCIS J. KNAUSS, AD-

MINISTRATOR OF SAID LESLIE G. S. SLOCUM, DECEASED, .ASSIGNOR TO THEBBEWER TITCHENER GOREOBATON,

PATENT OFFICE.

r AUTO TOL WINDOW FRAME.

Application filed August 7, 1918. Serial No. 248,667.

To all whom t may concern Be it known that I, Lnsmn G. S. SLOCUM, acitizen of the United States, residing at the city and county of SanFrancisco and State of California, have invented new and usefulImprovements in Auto Top Window Frames, of which the following is aspecification.

lThis invention relates to a curtain window structure, and particularlyto complementary separable frame sections for binding curtain lights inleather or textile fabrics such as are employed in the construction ofauto tops and the like and more especially7 such in which a lining isused in connection with curtains ofthis kind.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a. simple andsubstantial clamping frame for securing a plate glass window or othertransparent pane therebetween, and

particularly7 a curtain light frame adapted for use in connection withthe flexible top material as used in an auto side or rear curtain.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure whereby thefollowing results may be obtained: first, an all metal separable framecapable of being economically made up of stampings and adapted to bewholly concealed between the curtain and lining plies in the fashion ofa so-called fully blinded-in light, and in which neither mouldings,screws nor other fastening means are visible, either from the exterioror the interior of the car; second, a frame which provides arattle-proof substantial support for the sight pane, and a secure frameattachment for the fabric forming the top; third, a neat and effectivemeans for making a water and dust proof joint between the inner borderof the curtain or curtains and the marginal edge of the pane; fourth, aframe which may be readily installed with a minimum of labor andexpense; fifth, a frame which lies substantially flush with the curtain,and which eliminates recesses for the collection of dust or water eitheron the exterior or interior side of the top; sixth,'a frame which as awhole may be supplementally supported by suitable strap membersindependent of the curtain to eliminate excessive sagging or strainingof the fabric, and these -Straps are also concealed between the curtainand ,lining plies to further en- ,bance the nished appearance of the,frame installation; seventh, a clamping frame by which an even tensionmay be applied, thereby reducing the danger of straining or breaking theglass; eighth, a frame in which the curtain and lining material isinturned and interposed between the frame sections and the pane, therebyforming a cushion for the pane, and at the same time providing effectivemeans for securing the curtain and lining material to the respectiveframe sections. Further objects will hereinafter appear. The inventionconsists 'in certain novel arrangement or combination of curtain lightelements and other constructive features, all of which are hereinaftermore fully described in connection with an illustrative embodimentthereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l, is a front view of the window frame assembly showing certainparts partially broken away.

Figure 2, is an enlarged cross section on line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3, is a fragmental perspective view of one of the frame sectionspreparatory to the assembly thereof.

' Figure 4, is a similar perspective view of the other frame sect-ion. v

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates the exterior section ofan auto top or curtain, and 2 the lining material employed. Adapted tobe interposed between the curtain proper and the lining is a separableframe which, in this instance, consists of a pair of adjoining orcontiguous sections such as represented respectively by Figures 3 and4l., These sections may be formed to provide any shape desired, and maybe constructed of any suitable material, vbut preferably of light sheetmetal or the like and it will be observed that these complementarysections are so disposed that certain Aparts thereof substantially liein contact with each other. Each complementary frame section may beprovided with a longitudinally disposed endless flange designated as 3and 4 respectively, which flanges are preferably parallelly mounted o1'substantially so with respect to the faces ofthe sight pane clampedtherebetween as shown in Fig. 2. The disposition of said longitudinal'flanges is an important element the structure of the respectiveseparable frame sections and it will be observed thl t `the lin-rr\ostedge thelQ iS plage@ in an overlapping contiguous relation along therespective marginal faces of the sight pane 'la while the outer flangemargin or perimeter extends well beyond the pane inargin.

For properly centering the complementary frame sections with respect toeach other, said longitudinal flanges may be provided with co-operatingretaining means laterally7 disposed from the respective flanges 3 and flin a substantially normal relation thereto; in the specic disclosureshown in the drawings, each of said flanges is equipt with endless flankportions designated 54 and 6 respectively, which are disposed crosswiseof the plane of the pane lll, and' are made to telescopically co-act forframe centering` purposes. lt will be seen that said laterally disposedflank reenforcements 5 and G7 impart to each of the frame sections, arather sharply defined` angleshaped cross-sectional profile as formedbetween the respective flanges and its integrally formed flank portion,and that such reinforcement serves to materially augmentthe lateralstiffness and rigidity of the individual endless flanges 3 and fl ofsaid complementary frame sections.

In order to secure the frame sections together` I preferably employ aplurality of small spaced bolts 7. These bolts may be secured in theframe flange 3, and by referring to Figs. l and Ll, it will be seen thatthe complementary frame flange 4l may be perforated as at 8 to permitthe bolts T to pass theretl'irough. The two frames when brought togetherare drawn up tight by applying nuts 97 and since the bolts are spaced atcomparatively close pitch, it can readily be seen that means have beenprovided for applying an even tension to the frame sections when theyare being drawn together. The lateral disposition of the flank niembers5 and G relative to their respective longitudinal flanges 3 and 4 issuch that when the frame sections are assembled and bolted togetherithey will function as a unit and the reenforcing flanks will co-act todoubly stiffen up the flanges 3 and -l against lateral frame deflectionas a whole.

ltis further pointed out that in the illustrated embodiment of myinvention, the, pane la is retained against lateral displacelment withrespect to either frame section by the spaced clamping bolts T as shownin Fig. 2 which fastenings are closely disposed around the margin of thepane and made to perform double duty in that they constitute bothcentering' and clan'iping means for the pane. The respective framesections are therefore not only retained against displacement relativeto each other but effective means have also been provided for holdingthe pane a cnrrelative position with respect tothe .assembled framemembers.

In actual practice I apply the frame in the following manner: One framecomprising the longitudinal flange 3 and the flange 5 is, for instance,placed upon the-curtain material or fabric such as shown at Av and thecenter portion of this material is then cut away to permit the innerborder thereof to bc inturned over the frame between the bolts 7 asshown at l0, the fabric opening being notched as at ll to permit it tofit around the bolts and also to permit folding the inner marginal edgeof the fabric over the inmost edge of said frame section. rfhe fabricmay then be temporarily secured by applying cement or the like toprevent the inturned fabric from being displaced before the frames areplaced togi'ther. The complementary fame section comprising the flangeet and the flank 6, is similarly lplaced on the lining fabric 2 and issecured to said frame in a similar manner as that just eescribed. Theplate glass window or pane lll is now placed between the llescribedcomplementar-y frame sections and may be retained against lateraldisplacement by means of the spaced bolts T. which serve as a centeringholding device for the same. The two fabric sections each secured to itsframe section may now be brought together in. such a manner that theirflank reenforcements will properly register when the bolts 7 will thuspass through the perfor-ations 8, and the nuts 9 may be applied to drawthe frames tightly together against the interposed pane lil. rlhe innermarginal edges of the curtain fr which have been inturned as shown atl07 llig. 3, and also the edges of the lining materialavliich had beeninturned over the other frame section as shown at l5, Fig. Ll, are nonYinterposed between the frame sections and the glass or pane isla thusserving as a cushion for the glass7 and they also prevent rattlinggf; ofthe same if the frames should accidentally loosen. The interposition lofthe material has further advantagesa for instance, it permits greaterpressure to be applied to the frames `when they are drawn togethen andit always permits said frames to be drawn together so tightly that awater-proef joint is formed between the fabric and the marginal edge ofthe pane. lt can also be seen that this clamping action serves as ameans for retaining the fabric itself, thus eliminating the necessity ofemploying tacks or sewing` the fabric to the frames, or employing otherconventional fastening means for fabric securing purposes.

Another feature obtained is a smooth edge around the entire surface ofeach frame opening, since the inturning of the material between theframe sections as shown at i() and l5 permits the formation of a smoothrounded fabric covered edge coming directly,v ofi' the respective facesof the pane opening,

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lll)

lll)

3 sustaining means for said straps.

something which is certainly desirable when one considers thatpractically every frame heretofore employed can not be applied Vwithoutcutting the material, and in such cases, always leaving a raw unnishededge.

For the purpose of preventing sagging or stretching of the fabriccomposing the curtain proper and the lining, I preferably employ one ormore supportstraps or fabric Strips such as shown at 16 and 17. Ifdesired, the inner ends of these fabric sections may be fastened betweenthe frames when they are about to be assembled so as to be gripped bythe clamped frame sections and become securely att-ached to the frame assembly. The opposite strap ends may then be attached respectively, thelower piece to the body of the car and the upper piece to the frame ofthe top which constitutes a The weight of the glass, together with theframe sections is thus supplementally carried by the support straps 16and 17, and thereby preventing undue sagging or stretching ofv eitherthe curtain or lining materials into which the respective frame sectionsare secured. A further important feature of the present inventionresides in mounting said strap or straps between the plural curtains,thus making said curtain perform double duty in wholly concealingfromfview both the straps and the frame sectionswith their fasteningdevices.

lVhile certain materials and a specific f structure are here shown, Iwish it undermanufacturer may so dictate, and that varie ous othermodifications or dispositions in details of my disclosures may beresorted to without departing from the spirit and terms of my inventionsas defined in the appended claims. Y

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. A 7ind-ow frame of the character described including in combination,a two-ply curtain with an opening adapted to receive a window frame,said frame comprising a pair of endless frames, each frame having anangularly disposed flange about the outer edge thereof, and said framesadapted to telescope one within the other, a ply of the curtain beingturned upon the inner face of each frame so that said frames areconcealed between the plies, a pane having its marginal edge between theinturned plies of the curtain, and means for clamp-ing the framestogether.

2. ,A window frame ,of the eharactr de scribed including incombination atwo-ply curtain with an opening adapted to receive a window frame, saidframe comprising a pair of endless frames, each frame having anangularly disposed fiange about the outer edge thereof, and said framesadapted. to telescope one within the other, a ply of the curtain beingturned upon the inner face of each frame so that said frames areconcealed between the plies, a pane having its marginal edge between theinturned plies of the curtain, a pair of supporting straps having theirinner ends between the flanges of the frames, vand means for clampingsaid frames together.

3. A window frame' of the character described comprising a pair ofannular metal frames, said frames being angle shaped in cross sectionand adapted to telescope one within the other, a pane adapted to bereceived between the frames, a fabric material adapted to cover eachframe and also adapted to be received between the frames, means fordrawing the frames together to secure the pane and the fabric materialinterposed between the' frames, and a pair of flexible supportingmembers adapted to be intel'- posed between the frames and the fabriccovering the same and secured thereto when the frames are drawntogether.

et. A window frame of thecharacter described comprising a pair ofannular metal frames, said frames being angle shaped'in cross sectionand adapted to telescope one within the other, a pane adapted to be re-|ceived between the frames, a fabric material adapted to cover each frameand also adapted to be received between the frames, a p urality of boltssecured to one of the'frames, perforations formed in the other frame forthe reception of the bolts, nuts adapted to be applied to each bolt forthe purpose of drawing the frames tightly together, land a pair ofauxiliary supporting members adapted to be interposed between the framesand the vfabric covering the same and sccured thereto when the framesare drawn together.

5. The combination with an auto curtain and the lining materialtherefor, of a pair of annular metal frames adapted to be secured one tothe curtain section and one to the lining section, said frames beingangle shaped in cross section and adapted to telescope one within theother, and said curtain section and lining section adapted to cover theframes and have their respective edges folded between the frames, a paneinterposed between the inturned fabric and the frames, and means fordrawing the frames tightly together.

6. The combination with an auto curtain and the lining materialtherefor, of a pair of annular metal frames adapted te be secured one tothe curtain section. and, one t0 the 1inT ing section, said frames beingangle shaped in cross section and adapted to telescope one within theother, and said curtain section and lining section adapted to cover theframes and have their respective edges folded between the frar-.iesl` apane interposed between the inturned fabric and the frames, a pluralityof bolts secured to one frame, perfor-ations formed in the oppositeframe to permit the bolts to pass therethrough, and nuts applied to eachbolt to draw the frames tightly together.

7. The combination with an auto curtain and the lining materialtherefor, of a pair of annular metal frames adapted to be secured one tothe curtain section and one to the lining sect-ion, said frames beingangle shaped in cross section and adapted to telescope one Within theother, and said curtain section and lining section adapted to cover theframes and have their respective edges folded between the frames, a paneinterposed between the inturned fabric and the frames, means to chaw theframes tightly together.y and auxiliary members interposed between thecurtain and the lining material having their inner ends secured to themetal frames and having their outer ends extended and adapted to besecured to a suitable support to aid in carrying the weight of the paneand the metal frames.

8. A window installation for a curtain fabric comprising in combinationa sight pane and separable continuous metallic frame sectionsencompassing the pane and adapted to grip the pane therebetween, each ofsaid frame sections having an endless longitudinal flange element ofwhich the inmost edge is disposed in overlapping relation along therespect-ive faces of the pane while the perimeter thereof extends beyondthe margin of the pane in spaced relation with respect to itscomplementary flange and each of said flanges being reenforced bylaterally disposed flank portions, a curtain fabric having an openingtherethrough of which the inner border is interposed between the paneand the overlapping portion of one of said flanges, and screw fasteningsengaging said flanges, said fastenings being disposed intermediate thepane margin and the perimeter of said flange elements.

9. A window installation for a curtain fabric comprising in combinationa sight pane and separable contiguous metallic frame sectionsencompassing the pane und radapted to grip the pane therebetween, eachof said frame sections having an endless longitudinal flange element ofwhich the inmost edge is disposed in overlapping relation along therespective faces of the pane while the perimeter thereof extends Vbeyondthe margin of the pane in spaced relation with respect to said otherflange and each of said flanges being reenforced by laterally disposedflank portions serving to maintain said flanges in a correlativeposition, a curtain fabric and a linging fabric, each having an openingtherethrough of which the respective inner border is inturned over saidinmost edge of the respective frame sections and interposed between thepane and said overlapping` portions of said flanges, and screwfastenings engaging said flanges outside of the pane margin serving tobind both of the respective inturned fabrics to the pane, said framesections and fastenings being wholly concealed between said fabrics. l

lf). A window installation for a curtain fabric comprising incombination a sight pane having separable contiguous metallic framesections encompassing the pane margin and adapted to grip to panetherebetween, each of said frame sections having an endless longitudinalflange element of which the inmost edge is disposed in overlappingrelation along the respective faces of the pane while the primeterthereof eX tends beyond the pane margin and in which extended regionsaid flanges are respectively reenforc'ed by an endless flank portion toimpart a substantially right angled crosssectional shape for therespective frame sections, a curtain fabric having an openingtherethrough of which the inner borderl is interposed between saidflange elements, and means including a plurality of fastening screws toclamp the frame sections together and bind the sight pane into thefabric opening, said screws being' disposed intermediate said margin ofthe pane and the perimeter of the respective flange elements.

ll, rlhe combination in a window installation for a curtain fabric, of asight pane and separaliile contiguous metallic frame sectionsencompassing the pane margin and adapted to grip the pane therebetween,each such frame section being angle-shaped in crosssectional profilecomprising anendless longitudinal flange element overhanging the marginof the pane while its ininost edge is disposed in overlapping relationalong one face of the pane with an cndles flank portion extendinglaterally away therefron'i, a` curtain fabric having an openingtherethrough of which the inner border is interposed between the paneand one of said overlapping flange edges. and clamping means adapted todraw said over-hanging flange portions toward each other and serving tobind the sight pane into said fabric opening.

l2. The combination in a window installation for curtain fabrics, of acommon sight pane and separable contiguous metallic frame sectionsencompassing the pane and adapted to grip the pane therebetween, eachsuch section being disposed in'angle-shaped cross-sectional profilecomprising van endless longitudinal flange element, and a flank re.-

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enforcement extending laterally from an edge thereof, a curtain fabricand a lining fabric each having a window opening therethrough of whichthe respective inner border is inturned and folded between said framesections with the pane interposed between said inturned fabrics, and aplurality of screw fastenings serving to clamp and bind the sight paneinto the fabric opening, said fastenings being' disposed intermediatethe margin of the pane and the perimeter of the respective flangeelements and wholly concealed between the aforesaid fabrics of thecompleted installation.

- 13. A window installation for curtain and lining fabrics comprising incombination a common sight pane having contiguous metallic framesections encompassing the pane and adapted to grip the panetherebetween, each of said frames having a longitudinal flange elementdisposed in substantially7 parallel relation to the pane and whichflanges are respectively provided with an oppositely disposed endlessflank reenforcement, a curtain fabric and a lining fabric each having anopening therethrough of which the respective inner border is inturnedover the inmost edge of the respective frame sections and interposedtherebetween for binding purposes, and uniting means including screwfastenings serving to clamp said sections toward the pane, said unitingmeans causinO' said oppositely disposed flank reenforcements to co-actas a unit and augment the rigidity of said assembled flanges againstlateral deflection.

14. A window installation for curtain and lining fabrics comprising incombination a common sight pane having complementary metallic framesections encompassing the pane and adapted to grip the panetherebetween, each of said frames having a longitudinal flange elementdisposed in substanv tially parallel relation to the pane, which flangesare respectively provided with an oppositely disposed endless flankreenforcement, a curtain fabric and a lining fabric each having anopening therethrough of which the respective inner border is inturnedover the inmost edge of the respective frame sections and interposedtherebetween for binding purposes, clamping means engaging said flangesfor drawing the frame sections against the pane, and a support strapmember secured to the clamped frame sections, said strap being disposedbetween said linings and wholly concealed thereby.

l5. rlhe combination with a curtain fabric and a lining fabric, of acommon sight pane therefor and separable contiguous metallic framesections encompassing the pane and adapted ta; crip the panetherebetween, each such section being provided with a longitudinalfiange element extending beyond the margin of the pane, which flangesare respectively provided with oppositely disposed flank portions andwith means for maintaining the sections in a fixed relation with respectto each other, one of said sections being adapted to be secured to saidcurtain and the other to said lining, the curtain fabric and the liningfabric, respectively, being adapted to be inturned and folded betweensaid frame sections, a pane interposed between said inturned fabrics,means for maintaining the pane in a fixed relation with respect to saidsections, and clamping means engaging said flanges beyond the panemargin to draw the frame sections against the pane.

1G. A window installation for a curtain fabric comprising incombination, a sight pane and separable contiguous frame sectionsencompassing the pane and adapted to grip the pane therebetween, eachprovided with endless longitudinal flange element extending beyond themargin of the pane, said flanges being respectively provided with a.flank reenforcement adapted to co-act and center one section withrespect to the other, a curtain fabric having an opening therethrough ofwhich the inner border portion is interposed between the pane and one ofsaid frame sections7 and screw fastening means engaging said flangesbeyond the pane margin to clamp the frames together and bind the paneinto the fabric opening.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

LESLIE Gr. S. SLOCUM.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby 'certied that in Letters Patent No. 1,569,307, grantedvJanuary 12, 1926, upon the `a-.ppleation of Leslie G. S. Slocum, of SanFrancisco, California, for an improvement in Auto Top VindeW Frames,errors appear in the printed specification requiring correetion asfollows: Page 4:, line 68, claim 9, for the word linging read lining.;line 84, claim 10, for the Word. to, second occurrence, read the; line114, claim 11, for the misspelled. Word endles read endless, and line131, claim 12, after the Word element strike out the Comma; and that'the said Letters Patent should he read With these corrections thereinthat the Samre may conform to the record of the `case in the PatentOiiiice.

Signed and sealed this 23d day of February, A. D. 1926.

[[sEAIh] WM. A. KINNAN,

Acting @ammissioner of Patents.

